"India's rich military heritage will be displayed": PM Modi on 'Beating Retreat' ceremony today

New Delhi [India], January 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony, to be held this evening, symbolises the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations and reflects the "strength of India's rich military heritage".
Sharing an X post, the Prime Minister said that the event showcases the traditions, discipline and valour of the Indian armed forces, who remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation.
"This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India's rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces who are dedicated to the defence of the country. Eko bahunamsi manya edita visham visham yuddhaya san shishaadhi," PM Modi said.

आज शाम बीटिंग रिट्रीट का आयोजन होगा। यह गणतंत्र दिवस समारोहों के समापन का प्रतीक है। इसमें भारत की समृद्ध सैन्य विरासत की शक्ति दिखाई देगी। देश की रक्षा में समर्पित अपने सशस्त्र बलों पर हमें अत्यंत गर्व है।

एको बहूनामसि मन्य ईडिता विशं विशं युद्धाय सं शिशाधि।

अकृत्तरुक्त्वया… pic.twitter.com/HtoYOI5VfK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026

The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony, traditionally held at Vijay Chowk in the national capital, marks the culmination of the Republic Day festivities. The ceremony traces its origins to military traditions and features massed bands of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force performing patriotic and classical tunes, creating a solemn and stirring atmosphere.
Further, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi at 5 pm, marking the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.
In a post on X, the defence minister wrote, "At 5.00 PM today, the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close."
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory and put in place elaborate arrangements in view of the Full Dress Rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony scheduled to be held at and around Vijay Chowk on Tuesday.
According to the advisory, traffic restrictions will remain in effect from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM today to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and facilitate the movement of participating contingents and officials.
According to the official statement, Vijay Chowk will remain closed to general traffic during the restricted period. In addition, vehicular movement will not be allowed on several connecting roads leading towards Vijay Chowk. These include Raisina Road from the Krishi Bhawan roundabout towards Vijay Chowk, beyond the Dara Shikoh Road roundabout, Krishna Menon Marg roundabout, and the Sunehri Masjid roundabout towards Vijay Chowk.
The advisory further stated that Kartavya Path, between Vijay Chowk and the Rafi Marg-Kartavya Path crossing, will also remain closed to traffic. The Delhi Traffic Police has urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid the affected stretches during the rehearsal hours.
The traffic police have advised people to avoid those routes and take alternate routes during the restricted hours. This includes Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madarsa T-Point, Safdarjung Road - Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road, etc.
The Full Dress Rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 27, while the main Beating Retreat ceremony will be held on January 29, marking the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. (ANI)